Road Trip Date Ideas

The open road—it’s been romanticized in films, books, and on TV for decades. And for good reason! Combining escapism, excitement, and adventure, a road trip romance could be just what your relationship needs. But before we get into our best couples trip ideas, it’s worth noting that we do not suggest a road trip as a first date idea. Never get into a car with someone you haven’t met before, and always have personal safety at the forefront of your mind when dating and meeting new people. You can see some more suitable first date ideas here instead. OK, now that’s out of the way, let’s discuss fun trips for couples. 

If you have an anniversary coming up, why not mark the occasion with a road trip romance? It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “big” anniversary—you could celebrate dating for two weeks, a month, finally making it official…there’s no right or wrong type of anniversary. Getting out of your day-to-day life and routine can be a really wonderful way to deepen your relationship. It’s also important to spend uninterrupted time together—arguably the most important aspect of any couples trip. 

If it’s an anniversary, you’ll definitely want to make it special. Depending on your budget, maybe you’d like to go abroad and experience a road trip in a different country. If you’re driving in a new country for the first time, please take the utmost care and pay attention to the rules of the road, as they’re likely to be different than the ones back home. Driving can be an incredible way to sightsee and immerse yourself in a different culture, and if both of you have a license, you can take turns at the wheel. This makes long distance more manageable and takes the pressure off just one person being responsible. Just be sure to map out your route, plan some fun stops, and book accommodations in advance.

If you’re watching your finances, you can still have an amazing couples road trip by keeping it local. After the pandemic, we’ve all become much more appreciative of the beauty at our doorstep. Why not choose a location that neither you nor your partner has visited before? It’s great to experience “firsts” together, and it means you can make ultra-special memories. The great outdoors are free to enjoy, after all! Hit up a national park or landmark you’ve always wanted to visit. You could always extend the trip and camp to keep costs down. If you have a car already, this couldn’t be an easier anniversary trip idea. If you don’t, you can rent one—and be sure to keep a lookout for weekend rental deals. 

If you’re an established couple who have been dating for awhile, take your relationship to the next level with a couples road trip. Do you really know somebody if you haven’t spent hours on end in a car together? We don’t think so. 

If either of you have family who are based in a different town or city, take the opportunity to drive and visit them. This kills two birds with one stone—a fun couple's road trip and also a chance to meet the family. Hopefully they’ll be happy to host you overnight, which means you could extend the trip while keeping costs down. If you’re visiting your partner’s family, this also means you could get the chance to explore where your significant other grew up. A weekend well spent!

If this isn’t an option, you can still take a couple road trip focused on just the two of you. Pick a destination, and the road is your oyster. Prepare to venture into pastures new—if you live in a city, take a trip out to the country. If you’re out in the sticks, head to the big smoke. If you’re feeling romantic, research dark sky certified areas for the ultimate star gazing trip. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, pick at random and see what destination chooses you! Putting yourself in different situations and settings can be a great way to learn more about your partner. It’s a really intimate way to spend time together, talking, playing music, and enjoying each other’s company. Make sure to decide who is the designated driver or if you’ll split the time behind the wheel. If you plan on driving a long distance, it’s a good idea to book overnight accommodation so you can be properly rested for the drive home. This makes the road trip into more of a vacation, and more of an adventure.   

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but a safe couples road trip equals a fun couples road trip. Make sure you have an up to date driving license, insurance, and, if you’re taking your own car, that it has passed all the necessary checks. If you’re driving your partner’s car, the same applies—make sure you are insured to do so and that it’s fit for the road. You don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere or to be pulled over without the right paperwork. The same goes for renting a car or traveling abroad: documentation, passports, visas—keep everything on hand and organized.

If you’re driving for long periods of time, it’s imperative you have enough provisions. Stock up on plenty of water, more than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, because if you get lost or go off course, you don’t know when you’ll next be able to stop. The same applies for snacks—pile them in!

Any roadtripper will tell you: The stops are the best part of the journey, so make sure to factor plenty of them into your route. In general, you shouldn’t drive for long periods of time without breaks in between, and, of course, you’ll need to use the bathroom. If you plan your route in advance, you can ensure you stop at some delicious restaurants or kitschy roadside attractions. And embrace spontaneity: If you see something that looks interesting or fun, make an impromptu stop and check it out. But also keep tabs on your stamina. If you’re too tired to keep driving, check into a motel and have a nap. 

If you get lost, it’s important to stay calm. Head to the nearest exit, and get your bearings. If you have to take an unplanned stop or stay overnight, these things happen. Be prepared for things to not go to plan—and remember you’ll have your partner by your side to help. 

If you’re driving long distance, use it as an opportunity to really get to know one another. There are plenty of car games you can play (eye spy, would you rather, quizzes) that are not only a fun way to pass the time, but also and easy to find out more about their personality. 

Music is best played loud in the car, on a long and winding road. But don’t rely on the radio, as you may lose service. Curate the ultimate driving playlist for you and your partner to sing along to at the top of your lungs. 

Speaking of music, blasting a playlist can drain your phone battery. Be sure to pack an in-car charger so your phone doesn’t run out of juice in the middle of your favorite track. It’s also a matter of safety—you don’t want to break down without a way to call for help (although you should always have a spare tire in your car). 

If you’re taking a couples road trip, it’s best to discuss money in advance. Will you split the cost of gas, for example? Who will buy the snacks? If you’re staying overnight, who is paying for the hotel? It’s important to agree on a budget that you’re both comfortable with and how you will split costs before setting off on the road. 

Finally, a road trip romance is supposed to be an epic adventure. Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, it’s time to hit the road, have a blast, and enjoy spending time with your person. Who knows where it will take you!